Vol. 532 No. 4
400 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children if it is his proposal to issue automatically a medical card to all persons when they reach 70 years of age; if not, if each citizen will be obliged to make an individual application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8264/01]
The operational responsibility for the processing and issuing of medical cards lies with the health boards and the boards are engaged in the process of determining the implementation measures necessary to ensure the timely and effective introduction of the budget commitment to persons aged 70 years and over in their region. However, my Department will, well in advance of the 1 July start date, place notices in the national newspapers and on the Department's website giving details of the scheme and advising all people aged 70 years and over to apply to their local health board for a medical card.
